Surface finishes
Bead blasting services
Bead blasting cleans and evens out the surface of your custom parts, improving the functionality and cosmetic quality. It leaves a uniform matte or satin texture on machined parts by administering high-pressure glass beads on the components. A solely cosmetic option is available on request.
Bead blasting specifications
| Applicable materials | Media | Cosmetic availability | Visual appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum, Copper, Mild steel, Titanium, Brass, Alloy steel, Stainless steel, Tool steel | Glass beads with grit #120 | Cosmetic upon request | Grainy, slightly matte texture. Machining marks are reduced for “non-cosmetic” options and entirely removed on primary surfaces for “cosmetic” options. |
Example of a bead blasted part
Design considerations
- Bead blasting will not have an effect on tolerances except for holes/threads and tolerances of +/-0.02mm or tighter as well as GD&T tolerances
- Thin walls may present deformation due to bead blasting
- Parts with intricate features may be complex or impossible to finish in a uniform manner
What is bead blasting
A glass bead blasting surface finish gives parts a uniform, grainy texture. The process is commonly used for removing machine marks and can serve as an effective surface preparation for anodizing or other types of platings.
How does a bead blasting surface finish work?
Bead blasting smooths metals by blasting them with abrasive glass beads, which are shot out of a blasting tool at high pressure. Larger, coarser beads leave a grainy, matte texture, while smaller beads result in a satin finish. Suitable for a variety of hard metals, it’s an effective method of polishing and deburring parts after machining.
Protolabs Network offers bead blasting for metal parts to improve functional and cosmetic properties. To find out more, contact networksales@protolabs.com.
The Protolabs Network bead blasting process
Here’s how Protolabs Network bead blasts your custom parts:
Parts are first manufactured using a CNC machine
Operators send parts to a bead blaster right after machining
Parts are blasted with glass media (grit #120)
Put your bead blasted parts into production today
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